The USAF developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. Two proposals were submitted with the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor being selected as the new Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF). The aircraft is constructed using 39% titanium, 24% composite material, 16% aluminum and 1% thermoplastic by weight. All these components contribute to the F-22 being a light weight, extremely maneuverable, extremely fast aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence.

On July 9, 2010 there was an official arrival ceremony held to greet the first Lockheed Martin F-22A “Raptor” assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) PACAF 154th Wing, 199th TFS nicknamed “The Kuka'ilimoku” are based at Hickam AFB. The HIANG will eventually receive twenty F-22s to replace their F-15C/D “Eagle” and are the second ANG unit to fly the Raptor. Seventy five percent of missions will be manned by the 154th and the remaining 25 percent will be flown by active duty personnel.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor specifications

First flight - September 7, 1997

Planned Production - 750 aircraft initial program objective

Altered plan in 1990 - 648 aircraft

Altered plan in 1994 - 442 aircraft

In 1997 Department of Defense report – 339 aircraft

In 2006 the Pentagon wanted -183 aircraft

2008 approval for 4 additional aircraft bringing the total to 187

Number built as of August 2009 - 145 (187 planned)

Role - Air superiority fighter

Crew – (1) pilot

PerformanceEngines – (2) Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines producing 35,000 lbst of thrustSpeed - Mach 1.8 (super cruise: Mach 1.5)G Limit - +9 GCeiling - 60,000 ft (18,290 m)The F-22 and other fighters can reach this altitude, but only the F-22 can perform tactical maneuvers at this level, which is about twice the altitude at which other jets can perform tactical maneuvers.

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Die-cast metal.Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.Pre-painted with pad applied markings.Fully assembled.Weapons that are not permanently attached.Display stand included.Option to display model with wheels up or down.Minimum use of plastic.